Standard Terms and Conditions
Sandsford Law Ltd
Effective Date: 01/09/2024
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the legal services provided by Sandsford Law Ltd (“we,” “us,” or “our”) to clients. By engaging our services, you agree to these Terms.
1. Introduction
Sandsford Law Ltd is a firm of solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Our services include but not limited to legal advice and representation in matters of:
- Wills & Probate
- Debt Collection
- Housing Disrepair
- Litigation
- Immigration Law
Our SRA number is 8008114, and we adhere to the SRA’s Code of Conduct. These Terms are meant to outline the basis upon which we provide legal services to you.
2. Engagement and Scope of Services
2.1 Client Instructions
We will act in accordance with your instructions as set out in our engagement letter or as agreed during our meetings or correspondence. You will receive written confirmation of the scope of services to be provided, the fees, and any applicable time limits.
2.2 Our Responsibilities
We will provide our legal services with due care, diligence, and in accordance with professional standards. However, we cannot guarantee any particular outcome or result.
2.3 Client Responsibilities
You agree to provide us with timely, accurate, and complete information necessary for us to deliver our services effectively. You agree to cooperate fully and promptly respond to any requests for information. You agree to pay all of our bills and other charges in accordance with these Terms.
3. Fees and Disbursements
3.1 Fee Structure
Our fees will be based on the time spent on your matter or as otherwise agreed in writing. We will provide an estimate of our fees at the outset, and any significant changes in scope or cost will be communicated to you in advance.
3.2 Hourly Rates
Our hourly rates vary depending on the experience and expertise of the fee earner handling your matter. These rates are reviewed periodically, and you will be notified of any changes.
3.3 Fixed Fees
For certain services (e.g., standard wills or specific immigration matters), we may offer fixed fees. These will be agreed in advance and detailed in your engagement letter.
3.4 Disbursements
Disbursements such as court fees, expert reports, and travel expenses, will be charged in addition to our fees. We will inform you in advance of any significant disbursements likely to be incurred.
3.5 Value Added Tax (VAT)
Where applicable, VAT will be charged at the prevailing rate.
4. Billing and Payments
4.1 Invoices
We will invoice you periodically (usually monthly) or upon the completion of specific work, as agreed. Invoices are payable within 14 days unless otherwise specified.
4.2 Late Payments
If payment is not received within the agreed time frame, we reserve the right to charge interest at the statutory rate applicable under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
4.3 Suspension of Services
In the event of non-payment, we reserve the right to suspend or cease work on your matter until outstanding payments are made. We will provide notice of any such suspension.
5. Client Care and Complaints Procedure
5.1 Client Care
We are committed to providing a high standard of service. If at any point you become concerned about the service provided, please raise the issue with your solicitor in the first instance.
5.2 Complaints Procedure
If your concern is not resolved, you may follow our formal complaints procedure, a copy of which is available upon request. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, you may contact the Legal Ombudsman at:
- Email: enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk
- Phone: 0300 555 0333
- Website: www.legalombudsman.org.uk
You may also refer complaints regarding our conduct to the SRA at www.sra.org.uk.
6. Confidentiality and Data Protection
6.1 Confidentiality
We will keep your information confidential, except where disclosure is required by law or your express consent is provided. This confidentiality extends to all communications and documentation concerning your matter.
6.2 Data Protection
We will process your personal data in accordance with the UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy. A copy of our Privacy Policy is available on our website or upon request.
7. Limitation of Liability
7.1 Extent of Liability
Our total liability to you, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with our legal services shall be limited to the sum specified in our engagement letter, or if none is specified, to £[Insert Limit].
7.2 Exclusion of Liability
We will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on information or advice provided by third parties or any delay or failure to provide our services due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
7.3 Professional Indemnity Insurance
We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by the SRA. Details of our insurance cover and the insurer are available upon request.
8. Termination of Services
8.1 Termination by You
You may terminate our services at any time by providing us with written notice. You will be liable for any work carried out and disbursements incurred up to the date of termination.
8.2 Termination by Us
We reserve the right to terminate our services at any time, if we have reasonable grounds to do so. Examples include:
- You fail to pay our fees.
- You do not provide necessary information or instructions.
- A conflict of interest arises;
- You are otherwise in breach of these Terms.
In the event of termination, we will notify you in writing and ensure the smooth transfer of your file to a new solicitor if required.
8.3 When instructions are terminated (whether by you or us), you will be liable for our charges including fees for time spent and disbursements incurred up to the date of termination.
9. Intellectual Property
Any intellectual property rights in any materials or advice we produce during the course of our work shall remain with us, except where specifically assigned to you.
10. General Provisions
10.1 Applicable Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these Terms or the services provided will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
10.2 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
10.3 Amendments
We reserve the right to amend these Terms from time to time. Any changes will be communicated to you in writing and will apply to ongoing and future matters unless otherwise specified.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at:Sandsford Law Ltd
24 Greek St, Stockport , SK3 8AB
info@sandsfordlaw.co.uk